Perryville House, Kinsale, Cork.

Perryville House, Kinsale, you know what they say about first impressions? well be prepared to be impressed. Perryville House is an elegant, painted period house with distinctive wrought iron balconies you just can’t miss right on the quay side in Kinsale. Free, private parking, makes life and access to the bustling town centre, just footsteps away so much easier. What began as a love story, the son of the original owner in the 1900s, went off on his ‘grand tour’ of Europe as was the fashion at the time and fell in love with an Italian lady who was reluctant to leave her beloved Italy, so he tried to win her heart by embellishing the house with the romantic, ornate, tracery ironwork balconies you see today. Unfortunately it didn’t work out for him, but it has forAndrew Corcoran and Laura his wife, an interior designer, who also fell in love with the property back in 1997 which was badly run down at the time. Following a complete restoration and refurbishment the couple opened it as an exclusive Bed and Breakfast and have been welcoming guests from all over the world ever since.....

Andrew is front of house with a drawer full of local restaurant menus, recommendations and opinions, pay attention, he knows what he is talking about! He is absolutely passionate about Kinsale and in his self appointed role, championing the local chefs and dining establishments who are making the best use of the local artisan food producers. Laura's exquisite taste and experience as an interior designer is evident in the wonderful Irish country house atmosphere which is a mix of polished Irish antiques, oil paintings, fresh cut flowers, potted plants and scented candles. With a welcoming glass of wine in hand, guests can chat, relax or curl up with a good book, in front of a real turf fire....

We stayed in one of the south facing, super deluxe bedrooms overlooking the harbour with a huge four poster bed, squillion thread count white bedlinen and cavernous ensuite bathroom. Breakfast is served in a delightful dining room ,overlooking a very pretty and well tended courtyard garden. I particularly liked and I am sure others will appreciate, the white table linen, fresh flowers and Nicholas Mosse pottery which instantly conjures up the kind of lazy, indulgent breakfasts that you only get on holidays. With fresh bacon, eggs and sausages from local suppliers you are in for a real treat.

Why not fall in love again with yourself at Perryville House....which by the way would make an ideal honeymoon destination or romantic hideaway.